Child Growth Percentile
Check where your child's height and weight falls relative to other children the same age.
Based on CDC 2000 growth chart reference data. This is a reference tool — not a medical diagnosis.
Understanding growth percentiles
Your child is shorter/lighter than 95% of children the same age. May warrant evaluation by a paediatrician.
Low normal range. Many healthy children fall here, especially if parents are smaller than average.
Average range. Half of all children fall within this band.
Above average range. Healthy for children with taller or heavier parents.
Your child is taller/heavier than 95% of children the same age. May need evaluation if sudden change.
Frequently asked questions
What does the 50th percentile mean?
The 50th percentile means your child is at the median — exactly average. Half of children the same age and sex are taller/heavier and half are shorter/lighter. Being at the 50th percentile is neither better nor worse than any other percentile.
Should I be worried if my child is in the 10th percentile?
Not necessarily. What matters most is consistent growth along a curve over time. A child who has always been at the 10th percentile is likely healthy. A child who drops from the 70th to the 10th percentile in a short time needs evaluation.
Are CDC growth charts appropriate for Indian children?
CDC charts are based on American data. Indian children may naturally fall at lower percentiles on these charts due to genetic differences. The WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study (MGRS) charts may be more appropriate. Discuss with your paediatrician which reference to use.
How often should I measure my child?
Growth should be measured at every well-child visit — typically every 6–12 months for school-age children and more frequently for infants. Consistent measurement over time (tracking the growth curve) is more informative than a single measurement.
My child is above the 95th percentile for weight — does this mean obesity?
A BMI-for-age above the 95th percentile is the CDC's threshold for obesity in children. Weight alone is not sufficient — height percentile and BMI-for-age together paint a clearer picture. Consult a paediatrician for a proper assessment.
Growth percentiles are screening references only. All concerns about a child's growth should be discussed with a qualified paediatrician.